Bipartisan support protects NEA and NEH from funding cut

July 19, 2018

Washington, D.C. - Thanks to advocates speaking up across the country and continued strong bipartisan support in Congress, yesterday afternoon the House of Representatives voted 114 to 297 against an amendment offered by Rep. Glenn Grothman (R-WI-6) to decrease funding for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). Please see the League's voting record to find out how your Representative voted and take a moment to send a follow-up note, which we've prepared for you according to your Representative's vote.

During debate on Tuesday evening, House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman Ken Calvert (R-CA-42) spoke up in support of the "critical work for the National Endowment for the Arts at the Walter Reed Medical Center, [and] eleven other clinical sites across the country that are supporting therapy service",

Rep. Chellie Pingree (D-ME-1), a member of the Interior Subcommittee and co-chair of the Congressional Arts Caucus, noted how both "endowments are uniquely positioned to help smaller, rural areas", and

Congressional Caucus Co-Chair Leonard Lance (R-NJ-7), pointed out that for "every dollar the United States spends on Federal arts initiatives, nine non-Federal dollars are leveraged, generating roughly $600 million in matching funds."

The League's written testimony to the House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee earlier this year highlights the unique impact of the NEA's investment in the work of orchestra grantees. Thanks to your crucial voice as constituents, Congress continues to restore the federal investment in arts and culture, as the House moves forward a $2 million increase for FY19. The Senate votes on funding as early as next week. If you have not yet reached out to your Senators, you can easily and quickly do so via our online campaign.